Young Redditers At Risk Of Cannabis Misinformation

Young people are relying more on social media for medical information, including cannabis and that can lead to misinformation. 

A recent study revealed that adolescents of this generation are more proactive about their mental health and gravitate towards online communities for support. When it comes to cannabis, the online forum Reddit is the go-to for many for essential information and advice,

However an analysis of conversations found in the subreddit r/saplings saw a “lack of verifiable information being exchanged,” and most of the information being shared were anecdotal and based on personal opinions.

“The authors noted, “Our findings indicate that young people consider Reddit a legitimate platform for discussions about cannabis.” It was noted that during the period of the study (shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic started) saw a significant increase in comments. 

In the study published in PLOS ONE journal the researchers analyzed all comments and posts from the r/saplings subreddit thread from October 19, 2019 to October 31, 2020. In that time the community had grown from 53,000 members to 62,000 in just one year. 

As of the date of this article was published the subreddit r/saplings stands at over 96,000 members. 

This generation Is more aware and taking charge of their mental health

One of the causes cited for the forum’s surge in popularity was the isolation and distress young people faced during the pandemic. The sudden disruption to daily life, school closures, loss of routine and social isolation drove youths to online communities to cope with the loneliness. 

While research indicates that cannabis can effectively alleviate depression, improper use may result in negative health consequences. These include an increased risk of cardiovascular disease mortality, diminished cognitive function, and heightened neuropsychiatric effects, particularly among underage individuals.

Those suffering from mood disorders are also more at risk of “nonfatal self-harm, homicide, death by unintentional overdose, and all-cause mortality.”

Lack of credible sources shared is concerning

Throughout their research the authors looked at 213 randomly selected posts and 2,546 comments. In the early months of lockdown many conversations pertained to supply and acquisition. Questions such as “places to acquire” and “how to acquire cannabis” were more common, with even some enquiring about growing their own plants. 

Information given to young people on Reddit without verified sources could lead to negative effects.

Months later conversations started to shift towards themes of ‘consequences’ which included questions regarding tolerance, dosage and equipment safety. Members were generally responsive with each post receiving on average 12 comments. 

However the information shared, although well intentioned did not provide verifiable sources and were mostly anecdotal. 

“Generally, comments were thorough and responsive to the materials shared in the post,” the report says. “Most of the time, the comments were just opinions or personal experiences. While it didn’t happen often, a few pointed people to other sources like YouTube or websites, and only two mentioned a credible source, such as a public health department.”

Despite this the authors see it as a positive sign that young people in this community want to reduce harm associated with cannabis. Intervention combined with the trusted camaraderie of other members will be helpful in providing them a more healthy experience. 

“Interventions that provide understandable and accurate information in accessible formats may increase young people’s ability to access and consequently practice harm reduction strategies,” they wrote, and that Reddit “may be one possible tool in such interventions.”